New York 20th March 1785.
Sir.
By a letter from the honorable the Agents on the part of Massachusets and Newyork my appointment as a judge to sit on the fœderal Court for deciding the Controversy between those states has been announced to me.1 I should have answered it sooner, but being on the spot where the Communication might at any Moment be made, did not conceive it essential. I now do myself the honor to inform your Excellency that I shall accept the appointment & attend at whatever place the Court may be held.
I have the honor to be with great respect & esteem Your Excellencys Mo Obedt & humble servant.
Jas. Monroe
Receiver's copy, Papers of Continental Congress, item 78, U.S. National Archives and Records Administration, Washington, D.C.
1 See Massachusetts and New York Agents to Monroe, December 28, 1784.